The First Time I Ever Watched…Amadeus
Description
This humorous essay recounts a person's experience watching "Amadeus", a film about Mozart's life and his rivalry with Salieri. The writer draws parallels between Mozart's genius and their own struggles with everyday decisions, highlighting Salieri's resentment and the film's portrayal of their complex dynamic. The essay emphasizes the film's ability to elicit a range of emotions, from laughter to introspection, as it explores themes of genius, mediocrity, envy, and the absurdity of human nature. The piece concludes with a reflection on the contrast between Mozart's era and the modern world, particularly the influence of social media and technology on fame and talent. Comparable works include The film 'Amadeus' itself, directed by Miloš Forman, is a good comparable, as this essay focuses on its themes and characters. Other authors with similar styles, employing humor and self-deprecating observations, include David Sedaris, Nora Ephron, and Bill Bryson.